The mission of the Volunteer Resources Department is to assist the paid Dolphin Research Center (DRC) staff by providing a supplemental work force capable of accomplishing daily tasks, as well as special projects.

This enables the paid staff resources to concentrate on those areas where their knowledge and expertise can be put to the most efficient and effective use.

The responsibilities handled by our volunteers represent vital aspects of our operations. Volunteers may find themselves working in our fish house where our dolphins' meals are prepared, or caring for our family of exotic birds. Volunteers assist visitors by answering questions, monitoring interactive programs and giving presentations. Volunteers are involved with facility maintenance such as trash collection, recycling, seaweed removal and fence cleaning, painting and landscaping. They also help with administrative projects such as computer data entry and preparation of bulk mailings.

Within our Volunteer Resources Department, we offer an Internship Program. Internships involve concentration in specific departments, normally last 14 to 18 weeks, and are held throughout the year. Applicants do not need to be enrolled in college to be considered for an internship. Supplemental projects will be assigned based upon DRC’s needs and the intern’s specific skills and areas of interest, and may include: assisting your department and other teams.

In addition to daily position responsibilities, all interns are required to pursue individual independent study goals according to his/her specific skills and areas of interest. If seeking college credit the intern can incorporate course work into this area.

Dolphin Research Center offers internships in a variety of departments including:

• Animal care and training
• Education
• Information technologies
• Mediacal department
• Research
• Visual communications

General Information/Requirements

Dolphin Research Center welcomes interns from around the world but asks that applicants are able to comfortably read, speak and understand English. Intern applicants need to be physically fit, able to lift 50 pounds and work outside in the Florida heat, sunshine and humidity. All interns are responsible for their own housing, food and local transportation. Please bear in mind that this area is a tourist destination and therefore the cost of accommodations can vary dependent on the season. We can assist you in finding housing.v

If you have additional questions regarding volunteering at DRC, please e-mail us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone (305) 289-1121 x 230, Monday – Friday 9AM to 4PM (EST).

To apply, please complete the online Volunteer/Intern application.

Dolphin Research center is a not-for-profit education and research facility that is home to a colony of bottlenose dolphins and sea lions. Located in the heart of the Florida Keys on Grassy Key, our animals live in a natural environment in the Florida Bay. Since establishment in 1984, Dolphin Research Center remains dedicated to teaching, learning, and caring for marine mammals and the environment we share. We accomplish this through a variety of public education programs and non-invasive research projects, and by active involvement with the marine mammal care community throughout the world.